Removal Of All Dying Ash Trees Urged By Chester Officials

CHESTER, NJ — Residents are reminded to remove any dead ash trees on their property to avoid creating a potentially dangerous hazard.

According to forest and tree care professionals, the few dozen ash trees killed by the emerald ash borer across the borough will not only become an eyesore, but the trees that remain can be dangerous.

The emerald ash borer is a non-native insect pest that infests and kills all species of ash trees in North America, according to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

Ash trees infested with the emerald ash borer can deteriorate quickly and become dangerous, with limbs falling on your personal property, your neighbor's personal property, sidewalks and roadways.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture said the emerald ash borer was first discovered in the state in May 2014, when it was located in Somerset County. "Infestations throughout the U.S. and Canada have killed tens of millions of ash trees since 2002," the department said.

Chester Borough, with assistance from Morris County, has removed many of the largest ash trees from the Borough right-of-way over the last three years. The Shade Tree Commission recently bid on and removed 23 ash trees from the borough right-of-way.

"Property owners should take appropriate action necessary to mitigate hazardous trees on their property," borough officials said.